PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, July 6, ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to observe "maximum tolerance" for individuals who will hold demonstrations during his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 23.
Duterte gave the directive to the PNP, as he ecouraged his critics to exercise their right to free expression when he delivers his address to the nation.
"The opposition who will conduct rallies, of coure you can go to rallies. Air your grievance. That is a constitutional guarantee. Seek redress, shout on the streets,” the President said in a speech delivered Friday night in Lanang, Davao City.
“And I will tell the military and the police, exercise maximum tolerance. Umatras kayo nang umatras, huwag ninyo silang salubungin. Paatras kayo ng paatras,” he added.
(And I will tell the military and the police, exercise maximum tolerance. Just back off. Do not fight back. Just back off.)
The President’s remark came over two weeks before he delivers his address to the nation at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City.
To recall, Duterte made an unprecedented move when he faced protesters gathered outside Batasan Complex after he delivered his second Sona on July 25 last year.
“As much as possible, I do not want to see any rifle, anything there except your baton and your shield. And you have to sacrifice,” the President said.
“Hayaan mo sila. But I’m not asking you to die. Just retreat and retreat,” he added.
(Let them be. But I’m not asking you to die. Just retreat and retreat.)
Duterte will deliver his annual speech on July 23, amid wide criticisms over supposed human rights violations attributed to his war on illegal drugs, his soft policy towards sea disputes with China, and the stalled peace talks with the communist guerillas.
Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the President would deliver his message to the Filipino people “straight from the heart.” (SunStar Philippines)